Week 2 in MLS: Power rankings and other thoughts from Alan Hinton

In a weekly feature that we’ll continue throughout the season, local legend Alan Hinton, who coached the old NASL Sounders and did broadcast work recently for the MLS team, has offered to provide his thoughts on the action leaguewide.

Tough to work rankings accurately so soon into new season. Top 3 in West right now is Vancouver, Chivas and Dallas with LA bottom. East top 3: Houston, Philadelphia and Columbus. No chance for any of these clubs to win division except maybe Whitecaps if they sign a couple of top players.

Portland have tied both home games so far, and I expect them to have another good season, but I am not sure Argentinians Gaston Fernandez and Urruti will be star players. Good to see Steve Zakuani play well for 30 minutes.

Toronto, as I expected, will do well with expensive international stars Julio Cesar, Michael Bradley and Jermain Defoe. LA now out of CONCACAF Champions League will now move up from bottom quickly.

Sounders have played with a lot of energy and desire and will be a contender if steer clear of injuries.